Cisco training is fundamentally for those who want to learn about routers and switches. Routers hook up computer networks via the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. We'd recommend that you should start with CCNA. Avoid jumping straight into the CCNP as it's a considerable step up - and you'll need the CCNA and experience first to have a go at this.

You may end up employed by an internet service provider or perhaps a national or international corporation that is spread out geographically but still needs contact. This career path is very well paid and quite specialised.

Getting your Cisco CCNA is what you should be aiming for - don't be pushed into attempting your CCNP straight away. Get a couple of years experience behind you first, then you can decide if it's relevant for you to have this next level up. If you decide to become more qualified, you'll be in a better position to pass then - as your working knowledge will put everything into perspective.

Review the points below in detail if you think that old marketing ploy of an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:

These days, we're a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and generally we know that for sure we are actually being charged for it (it's not a freebie because they like us so much!) Passing first time is everyone's goal. Taking your exams progressively one at a time and paying for them just before taking them puts you in a much stronger position to qualify at the first attempt - you take it seriously and are conscious of what you've spent.

Don't you think it's more sensible to find the best exam deal or offer when you're ready, not to pay the fees marked up by a training company, and to take it closer to home - instead of the remote centre that's convenient only to the trainer? Many unscrupulous training companies make a great deal of profit because they're getting in the money for exams at the start of the course and hoping that you won't take them all. It's worth noting, in the majority of cases of 'exam guarantees' - the company controls how often and when you are allowed to do a re-take. You will have to demonstrate an excellent pass-rate before they'll approve a re-take.

With the average price of Pro-metric and VUE examinations coming in at approximately 112 pounds in Great Britain, the most cost-effective way to cover the cost is by paying when you need them. Why splash out often many hundreds of pounds extra at the beginning of your training? Study, commitment and preparing with good quality mock and practice exams is what will really guarantee success.

The somewhat scary thought of landing your first IT job can be relieved by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. The fact of the matter is it isn't a complex operation to get a job - as long as you're correctly trained and certified; because there's still a great need for IT skills in the UK today.

Having said that, it's important to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; additionally, we would recommend any student to update their CV as soon as they start a course - don't delay until you've graduated or passed any exams. Quite often, you will be offered your first position whilst you're still studying (sometimes when you've only just got going). If your CV doesn't show your latest training profile - or it's not getting in front of interviewers, then you don't stand a chance! In many cases, a local IT focused employment agency (who will get paid by the employer when they've placed you) will be more pro-active than a sector of a centralised training facility. It also stands to reason that they'll be familiar with the local area and commercial needs.

Fundamentally, as long as you put the same commitment into finding your first IT position as into studying, you're not likely to experience problems. A number of students bizarrely put hundreds of hours into their training course and then just stop once qualified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

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